THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

By Jessica Smetana, Mike Golic Jr.Sports News Sports News Football

THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish episodes

March 31 Hannah Hidalgo and The Irish are ELITE. ND Pro Day, CJ Carr Throwing for Scouts | The Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off by celebrating a historic run from Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball.Before diving into football, the spotlight is on head coach Niele Ivey and her squad after reaching the Elite 8 for the first time in her tenure.
Led by superstar Hannah Hidalgo, the Irish proved they’re among the nation’s best—and Mike and Jess make sure to give them their flowers.From there, the conversation shifts to the men’s program, where roster changes are already underway with players entering the transfer portal—and potentially more to come.
Then it’s back to the gridiron as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football hold their annual Pro Day. Mike and Jess break down who boosted their draft stock, why CJ Carr throwing was such a big storyline, and how Will Pauling turned heads.
To close things out, Mike and Jess preview their upcoming trip to South Bend for the Spring Game and Mike’s family golf tournament.
👉 Learn more about the event: Golic Family Foundation
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55 min
March 24 Notre Dame Spring Ball Starts, Marcus Freeman Speaks, Position Battles and Breakout Players
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are back talking ball and getting you set for spring football at Notre Dame.
Head coach Marcus Freeman met with reporters last week, and Mike and Jess break down everything he had to say—from the team’s energy heading into spring to how the program is responding after last season’s tough ending.
One name already popping during spring ball is Tae Johnson, a friend of the show who’s flashing early and often. The crew dives into what makes Johnson so special and what expectations look like for him and a defense loaded with talent.
With stars all over the roster, competition is heating up across multiple position groups. Mike and Jess take a closer look at the biggest position battles this spring and who has the inside track heading into fall camp.
They also cover key injury updates, including which impact players are working their way back and what their timelines could mean for the season. Plus, a breakdown of the new-look offensive line and how those changes could shape the Irish offense moving forward.
To close things out, the show celebrates the continued dominance of the Notre Dame fencing team and highlights Hannah Hidalgo and the women’s basketball team as they make a run in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament, including a big matchup against Ohio State.
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58 min
March 10 Aaron Taylor Joins to Reflect on the Life of Lou Holtz
On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana reflect on the life of legendary Notre Dame head coach, Lou Holtz, following his death at the age of 89.

One of coach Holtz’s former players, 2-time All American Aaron Taylor, joins to share some his amazing stories and experiences during his time playing under the college football hall of famer. Whether it was Lou’s ability to command a room or his ability to rile you up, Aaron has a profound memory of it. So, we hope you enjoy this look back on the life of Notre Dame’s last championship winning head football coach, Lou Holtz.

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45 min
March 03 Notre Dame at NFL Combine with Mike Renner! Jeremiyah Love Top 5 Pick? Jadarian Price 1st Rounder?
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are joined by Mike Renner to break down a massive weekend for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
From viral weight room clips that had the internet fired up to standout performances in Indy, the Irish were everywhere last week. We open the show by diving into the social media reaction to Notre Dame’s “big boys” moving serious weight. Why it matters, why it’s fun, and why people seem so eager to be upset about it.
Then we shift gears to the hardwood, where Hannah Hidalgo is putting together a historic season for Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball. With March here and the NCAA Tournament around the corner, we break down Hidalgo’s legendary run and what it means for the Irish as they heat up at the perfect time.
No one turned more heads at the Combine than Jeremiyah Love. Renner explains why scouts can’t stop raving about Love’s size, speed, agility, and all-around explosiveness — and where he could realistically land in the NFL Draft. Plus, we spotlight other Irish prospects like Jadarian Price and Malachi Fields, and what their performances in Indy mean for their draft stock.
We close the show with a quick update on the men’s basketball team’s Senior Night win and a look ahead at the surging, and top-ranked, Notre Dame men’s lacrosse squad.
Irish fans, this one covers it all.
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54 min
February 24 Julian Love Joins the Show! Super Bowl, Seahawks, Notre Dame Memories, and Mylan Graham's Comments
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana welcome Julian Love, Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, former Notre Dame defensive back, and Chicago native.
Mike and Jess kick things off by celebrating Notre Dame’s presence on the international stage, highlighting two Irish alums who helped power Team USA women’s hockey during a historic Winter Olympics run in Milan.
The conversation then shifts to football, where the hosts break down recent transfer portal storylines and discuss standout wide receiver Mylan Graham’s candid comments about the student-athlete experience in South Bend compared to his time at Ohio State.
Then, Julian Love joins the show for a wide-ranging and entertaining interview. Love reflects on life as a Super Bowl champion, the surreal feeling of winning the biggest game in football, and the significance of becoming just the second player in Notre Dame history to record a Super Bowl interception. He also shares his perspective on watching fellow Irish players shine on the sport’s biggest stage, what the post-championship whirlwind has been like, and why his reputation as a host and teammate remains legendary.
Love also opens up about his time as a graduate student at Notre Dame, discussing the realities of balancing academics and athletics, his most challenging classes, proudest achievements, and favorite campus memories.
To close the episode, Mike and Jess check in on Notre Dame women’s basketball as March approaches, with Hannah Hidalgo continuing to establish herself among the nation’s elite. Finally, the show heads to Mike’s Complaint Corner, where he vents about the frustrations of trying to watch Notre Dame men’s lacrosse following a massive top-five victory.
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56 min
February 17 Notre Dame NFL Draft Buzz, Chambliss Chaos, Carr's Gift to OL, Irish Hoops in Rome! | The Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana dive into a packed Notre Dame offseason filled with storylines, surprises, and plenty of debate.
The show opens with the viral moment everyone’s talking about: CJ Carr’s Valentine’s Day gifts for his offensive line. Mike and Jess react to the video, discuss how today’s college football culture has changed, and explain why taking care of the “big boys” still matters.
With NFL Draft season heating up, the Fighting Irish are once again front and center.
Six Notre Dame players are headed to Indianapolis for the combine, with Jereimiyah Love and Jadarian Price generating major buzz. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Billy Schrauth has been climbing draft boards and social feeds alike. Mike and Jess break down the hype and what it means for Notre Dame’s NFL pipeline.
The episode also tackles one of the wildest eligibility sagas in recent memory: Trinidad Chambliss’ bizarre offseason journey. After multiple setbacks, Chambliss took his case to court and secured a sixth season of college football. The crew unpacks the chaos and what this ruling could signal for the future and how it impacts Notre Dame.
Plus, some long-awaited good news on the hardwood: Notre Dame Men’s and Women’s basketball are headed to Rome. The Irish will face Villanova in a historic international opener, and Mike and Jess discuss the intrigue surrounding the matchup — including questions about Micah Shrewsberry’s future.
To close things out, the show checks in on Notre Dame women’s basketball and its loaded recruiting class, along with early-season updates on Irish lacrosse.
🎧 Tap in, hit the comments, and subscribe for more Notre Dame talk every week. 🍀
#sports #football #notredame #NFL
54 min
February 10 Irish Shine at the Super Bowl, Notre Dame's Ice Chapel, Winter Olympics, Tampering With Love
On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with Notre Dame flying all over the Super Bowl. 🍀🏈
Rylie Mills comes up with a massive sack, Julian Love seals it with a clutch interception, and the Irish make their presence felt on the biggest stage in football. Mike and Jess break down all the Notre Dame moments from Super Bowl Sunday and what they mean for the program.
The conversation shifts back to campus, where last week’s ice chapel built during South Bend’s record-breaking snowstorm grabbed national headlines after Mass was held there. Peak Notre Dame energy.
With the Winter Olympics underway, the crew also gives a shoutout to Notre Dame’s own Jadin O’Brien, a former Irish track star now competing in bobsled for Team USA. Will you be watching him represent ND in Milan this weekend? 🇺🇸❄️
After the break, Mike and Jess dive into the new faces leading Notre Dame football. The hires are official:
Aaron Henry — Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach
Brian Jean-Mary — Linebackers Coach / Run Game Coordinator
What do you think of the new defensive staff? Hit the comments and let us know.
Recruiting news rolls on as QB Teddy Jarrard officially signs with the Irish and is set to arrive on campus this summer, helping shape the quarterback room for life after CJ Carr. Are you excited—or skeptical—about the future of ND’s QBs? Sound off in the chat.
Plus, roster updates for the 2026 season, including who’s rocking new jersey numbers, and a deep dive into the new CFP schedule, with the National Championship now pushing into nearly February. Is this too much for college football?
To close things out, Mike and Jess discuss comments from friend of the pod and future NFL star Jeremiyah Love, who revealed he was contacted by other schools while still enrolled at Notre Dame. Fair or foul? The crew breaks down “legal tampering” in today’s college football landscape.
🎧 Tap in, hit the comments, and subscribe for more Notre Dame talk every week. 🍀
#sports #football #notredame #NFL
43 min
February 03 Cooper Flanagan Joins the Show! Snowpocalypse in South Bend, Coaching Carousel, ND in NFL Draft
On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with the brutal winter weather that’s been hammering much of the country — including South Bend.
From frozen temps to full-on snow days, students have been battling the elements and building snow chapels. Mike and Jess swap stories from their own snowy campus days and how the Irish always seem to make the most of it.
From blizzards to the coaching carousel, the conversation turns to major staff changes. Mike Mickens heads to the NFL to join the Baltimore Ravens, while Aaron Henry steps in as Notre Dame’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Al Washington also makes the jump to the league, joining the Miami Dolphins.
It’s never easy losing top assistants, but it’s also a sign the program continues to develop elite coaching talent — and Notre Dame now faces the challenge (and opportunity) of reloading.
Draft buzz is building, and wide receiver Malachi Fields made serious noise at the Senior Bowl. With the NFL Scouting Combine around the corner, Mike and Jess break down how Fields boosted his stock in Mobile and why he could be working his way into first-round territory.
Later in the show, junior tight end Cooper Flanagan joins the podcast. The Northern California native talks about adjusting to Midwest winters, battling through a frustrating year, and what the College Football Playoff snub felt like inside the locker room. He also shares what it’s like having another player with a nearly identical last name, and how head coach Marcus Freeman addresses the constant NFL speculation surrounding him.
To close things out, Mike and Jess dive into how Notre Dame discovered the ACC may have been favoring other teams.
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53 min
January 27 MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT! Reaction to Cam Newton Comments, Notre Dame's Relevance, Onye Back, Mickens Gone
On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT — and you won’t have to wait long to hear some of the best news we’ve had in weeks.
After the big reveal, the show turns back to the gridiron with the latest from South Bend. The NCAA granted Jason Onye a sixth season, giving Notre Dame’s defensive line another boost following a strong transfer portal cycle.
Not all the headlines were positive, though. Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens is heading to the NFL, joining the Baltimore Ravens staff. Mike and Jess break down what his departure means for the Irish. Plus, they discuss Notre Dame finishing top 10 in the final AP Poll despite missing the College Football Playoff.
The conversation then shifts to the future with an early look at Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule. Some people are calling it soft, we see you Cam Newton and First Take, the hosts explain why it might actually be more standard than people think.
They also recap the national championship matchup between Indiana and Miami, but the real highlight? Marcus Freeman shining on ESPN’s College GameDay. Is there a future in TV for the Irish head coach someday?
To wrap things up, the episode hits a mix of Notre Dame news and notes, including the start of men’s lacrosse season and a look at former Irish players who will be competing on Super Bowl Sunday.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments:
Jason Onye returning for Year 6
Mickens heading to the Ravens
Notre Dame’s AP Poll finish
ND's "soft "schedule
All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Subscribe for weekly Notre Dame coverage all offseason long ☘️
Subscribe to The Echoes for weekly Notre Dame recaps, CFP reactions, game previews, and insider analysis all season long.
#sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff
Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's
Join Team Tendy’s and enjoy a line-up like never before. Crispy. Juicy. Tendys Now at Wendy’s.
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54 min
January 20 Marcus Freeman Speaks, Notre Dame Dominates the Transfer Portal & CFP Expansion Debate | The Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down everything from Marcus Freeman’s latest press conference to Notre Dame’s dominant run in the transfer portal.
Freeman spoke publicly for the first time since the season ended, and Mike and Jessica react to his messaging, tone, and what it all means for the future of the program. Later in the opening segment, they address the recent incident involving Freeman at his son’s wrestling match, Notre Dame’s response, and why the situation is being put firmly in the rearview mirror.
The conversation then turns to the 2026 Notre Dame roster, where the Irish have been on a tear. With major additions and a few key departures, Notre Dame now boasts one of the strongest transfer portal and high school recruiting classes in the country. Mike and Jessica break down the newest additions, discuss how the depth chart is shaping up, and share which newcomers they’re most excited about heading into 2026.
In the final segment, the show looks beyond South Bend to the future of the College Football Playoff. With the Big Ten pushing for a 24-team format and the SEC preferring to stay at 16 (for now), Mike and Jess debate expansion, CFP fatigue, and whether the playoff has simply become too long.
Drop a comment and let us know:
• Which 2026 newcomer are you most excited about?
• Should the College Football Playoff expand — or be shortened?
All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Subscribe to The Echoes for weekly Notre Dame recaps, CFP reactions, game previews, and insider analysis all season long.
#sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff
Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's
Join Team Tendy’s and enjoy a line-up like never before. Crispy. Juicy. Tendys Now at Wendy’s.
http://www.tendys.com/
57 min